Why is My Hair So Dry? The Truth Behind Your Damaged Locks

Found yourself asking why your hair is so dry? It’s one of the biggest concerns when it comes to locks, but what is causing it? In this blog, Laura Elliott, Head of Education at Neäl & Wølf shares the reason your locks are dehydrated, exploring factors from lifestyle habits to natural hair type.

1. Over-washing your locks

Hair washing feels incredible, but you can have too much of a good thing. Over-washing, especially with shampoos that contain harsh sulphates, can remove the natural oils from your hair and scalp. These natural oils are important to maintain shiny, healthy-looking hair, so stripping the hair of these can have consequences.

2. Heat styling

Hair dryers and hair straighteners can have stunning results on hair, but excessive heat styling can severely dehydrate your locks. They can damage the cuticle and strip hair of its natural moisture, making it dry and brittle. We’d recommend using a barrier like our MIRACLE Rapid Blow-Dry Mist which can protect against heat damage, whilst keeping hair soft, shiny and healthy looking.

3. Hair colouring

Colouring hair, especially with processes like bleaching, can sometimes dry out your tresses. This is because the chemicals can open up the cuticle, strip it of natural oils, and damage the shaft. For best results, ensure that you visit a colourist in the salon who can suggest colouring options like our GLAZE True Demi Toner range which leaves hair with a super shine. For more advice, read our blog: How to Maintain Your Coloured Hair

 4. Hard water minerals

Some areas have hard water, meaning they are rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium. The result? When you wash your hair, these minerals can build up and stop moisture from getting into your strands, making it feel coarse and dull. You can find out if you have hard water by putting your postcode into your local water site, like Yorkshire Water, Southern Water and Northumbrian Water.

5. Eating and drinking habits

If your diet is lacking in healthy foods that are rich in vitamins it can lead to dehydration and breakage. In the same way, if you’re not drinking enough water you’re also setting yourself up for dry hair, as your locks will be left thirsty for moisture. Pairing good eating and drinking habits keeps hair soft, supple and shiny, 

6. Product build up

Nourishing hair products like our HYDRATE range can help your hair, but if any product  isn’t properly washed out after use it can lead to build up. Over time, this can form a film over the hair shafts and block vapour from entering them, making hair dry and brittle under the surface.

7. Hot water washing

While a hot shower can feel amazing, washing your hair in hot water can be harsh on your locks. Exposure to high temperatures in water can reduce your natural oils that leave your strands soft and moisturised. Over time, this can make your hair frizzy, rough and brittle, so consider turning down the temperature when washing your locks.

8. Dry environment

Your surroundings can really impact your hair’s hydration levels. Whether it’s central heating in winter, air conditioning in summer or you’re on holiday in a sunny country, it can dry out your hair. You might notice that your strands are much more brittle in these conditions, which is a sign that your locks aren’t being properly nourished.

 9. Aging

Aging can make your hair drier as your scalp’s natural oil, sebum, decreases as you grow older. Hormonal changes and thinning hair can also mean that over time locks can also become more delicate, finer and fragile, prone to breaking easily, especially at the ends of the hair, creating split ends. Embracing the grey? Check out our specialised shampoo and conditioner: Grey Hair Products

10. Hair type

Sometimes dry hair is just part of you! Your hair’s natural texture plays a big role in how well it retains moisture; for example, curly and coily hair has more twists and bends, which makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the strand. As a result, these hair types are much more prone to dryness. Find out more about our specific products: Curly Hair Products

Whether it’s your daily shower temperature, your environment, or simply your hair’s natural texture, each of these factors plays a role in how your hair looks and feels. Now you know why your hair is so dry, browse our full range of products for dry hair: Dry Hair Products

Need more tips on how to help your dehydrated hair? Read our blog to find out more: How to Hydrate your Hair: 10 Tips From our Expert